I enter the 2020 NFL Draft trying to address a few needs for the Buccaneers, primarily at offensive tackle, running back and adding depth to the defensive line.

Cook’s 2020 Bucs Draft Picks

Round 1 –  South Carolina DT Javon Kinlaw
Kinlaw helps ease the sting of losing Ndamukong Suh, but his athleticism, strength and toughness make for a perfect pairing for Vita Vea and with Shaquil Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul on the outside. With William Gholston on the line and Lavonte David and Devin White in the middle name a better front seven in the NFL than Tampa Bay’s.

Round 1 –  Houston OT Josh Jones (acquired in trade from the Dolphins)
After a somewhat up and down performance at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis last month, Jones might be viewed by some as a second-round talent. However with offensive tackles at a premium in the NFL, there is little reason to believe Jones would get out of the first round. The Bucs trade tight end O.J. Howard and a 2021 second-round pick to nab Jones, but now feel they have at the very least a long-term solution at right tackle and maybe even someone who could potentially replace left tackle Donovan Smith in 2021.

Round 2 – LSU RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire
The Buccaneers think long and hard about a first-round running back despite most people’s negative opinions, but with a deep class at the position, they know they can find talent later on and do so in the second round by selecting the tough and productive Edwards-Helaire out of LSU. While not a blazer (4.6 in the 40-yard dash) Edwards-Helaire showed terrific footwork as a runner, can break tackles and is great in the red zone and short yardage. He also showed above average ball security while at LSU and is an excellent receiver out of the backfield.

Round 3 – Washington QB Jacob Eason
Eason is a prototypical big-armed pocket passer who can grip it and rip it. There are still plenty of things that need to be developed in his game, but learning behind Tom Brady will be invaluable to his progression. At 6-foot-6, 235 pounds, Eason can withstand the pounding he will face at times in the NFL, plus had just eight interceptions in his final season at Washington. Eason could be long gone by the third round when the Bucs are on the clock, but hopes are he falls a little later than some expect.

Round 3 – Florida EDGE Jonathan Greenard (Bucs trade two fourth-rounders to move up)
Greenard’s size, athleticism and stats warrant a second round grade and there is a chance he could go as early as the late second, but concerns about a wrist injury suffered in 2018 make him still available in the third round and the Bucs package their two fourth-round picks and a fifth in 2021 to move up to draft the Gators standout. Greenard is a gym rat and puts in the work to be successful and would be an ideal candidate to replace Pierre-Paul down the road.

Round 5 – Auburn OL Jack Driscoll
While not projected as a starter in the near future, adding depth and potential development down the road is still important for a team, particularly on the offensive line, and Driscoll has enough good traits that he is worthy of a fifth-round selection. He doesn’t play with enough power to warrant much more but with good coaching and more time in the weight room he could develop into a solid depth piece at tackle or even move inside to guard.

Round 6 –  Florida State CB Levonta Taylor
Taylor was a highly touted freshmen when he arrived on campus in Tallahassee but didn’t live up to some of the expectations. A lot for that could be poor coaching over the last few years. Taylor is athletic and can run with anyone and has decent ball skills but definitely needs some better coaching to refine his case. At his size he looks to be more of a nickel corner but could stand to add a few more pounds as in Boles scheme the nice must be physical and not afraid to come up and make tackles.

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